Automatic polishing block and rig



ug. 21, 1934 E. H. WAHLERT AUTOMATIC POLISHING BLOCK AND RIG Filed Nov. 18, 1952 2 Sheets-sheet l Aug- 21, 1934 E. H, WAHLERT 1,971,023Y

AUTOMATIC POLISHING BLOCK AND RIG Filed Nov. 18, 1952 2 Sheets--Sheei'l 2 Patented Aug. 21, 1934 Unirse srs'rss earner orties This invention relates to automatic polishing block and rig-and has special reference to mechanism for imparting a polishing action to the surfaces of mill rolls, or the use of rotary polishi t ing blocks applied against the surfaces of mill rolls in a manner to rotate at a different speed and to traverse th-e surfaces of the mill rolls in the direction of their axes.

In the process of rolling sheets. the nature of .l0 the surfaces of the sheets is of primary impartance. TheY nature of the surfaces obtained on the sheets is dependent on the surface condition of the mill rolls.

During the rolling process, the surfaces of the mill rolls become rough, due to many causes. It has been conventional practice to attempt to eliminate this'conditicn by application, by pressure, of fiat abrasive polishing blocks against the surfaces of the mill rolls, and to utilize the turn- Zo ing movements of the rolls to obtain a polishing action. These polishing blocks have been applied'against the surfacesY of the mill rolls in different ways, either by manually operated devices. or in connection with a mechanical device which automatically applies the stones to the surfaces of the mill rolls and moves the polishing blocks inthe direction of the axes vof the rolls.

Diiculties encountered by these methods Vof polishing result chiefly from the inherent objec- :zo'tionable features of the polishing blocks. The polishing blocks present surfaces to the-face of the mill rolls, which immediately become filled with the material removed from the surfaces of the mill rolls. This material lodges inthe spaces between the grain structure and in the surfaces of the blocks and produces glazed surfaces on the blocks, resulting in termination of the polishing action of the blocks. This necessitates frequent cleaning of the surfaces of the blocks to obtain best' results. In actual practice, the time allotted for polishing is limited, with the necessary consequence that the polishing blocks are used after they become lodged with material and, therefore, ineffective. When these conditions'exist, greater pressure of the blocks against the surfaces of the mill rolls is required and results in a non-uniform polish and the formation of scratches on the surfaces of the mill rolls. This non-uniform polish and these scratches are reproduced on the surfaces of the sheets and are undesirable.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide means for operating rotatively and longitudinally against the surfaces of the mill rolls revolving abrasivepolishing blocks.y These blocks are presented to the surfaces of the mill rolls with their axes of revolution parallel with the axes of revolution of the mill rolls. The lines of contact between the blocks and the mill rolls vare theoretically straight lines.

According to the specic embodiment of the Gli. present invention herein disclosed, each revolving abrasive polishing block is pressed against the peripheral surface of the adjacent mill roll by rollers preferably having sharp fluted teeth on their peripheral surfaces. The rollers are held in l correct position in a swivel head in order to permit the polishing block to aline itself against the face of the adjacent mill roll.

n action, the mill roll tends to turn the cylindrlcal polishing blo-ck at the same surface speed as the mill roll. The invention includes means to rotate the rollers in the proper direction and at predetermined surface speed, thereby causing differential surface speeds between the mill rolls and the polishing blocks and `producing a `uniform polishing action. The revolving action of the polishing block in passing over the line of contact with the toothed roller causes the material which is removed Yfrom the mill roll to become dislodged from the polishing block, with the result that, the polishing block is always free from this material when in Contact with the mill roll. By these provisions, itwis possible, particularly in a continuous automatic polisher, to leave the polishing block inthe rig until-the polishing block is practically Worn out,lthus'saving much time and avoiding the necessity for special cleaning of the polishing block. i

Other objects will appear from the following description,` reference being made to the annexed drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the present invention infthe embodiment in which it is used.

Fig. 2 is a Aplan View.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation looking toward the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross sectional View approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan view-of the devices shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown Yin Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1, showing the devices for pressing the abrasive polishing blocks against the surfaces of the mill rolls.y

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 1, showing the gearing for revolving the rollers whereby the revolving abrasive polishing blocks are cleaned and pressed against the mill rolls.

Fig. 10 is a sectional View on the line 10-10 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view on the line 11-11 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is an elevation showing one of the revolving abrasive polishing blocks in connection with the supporting device therefor.

The mill rolls 1 are rotatively supported by the machine frames 2. As indicated in a preceding part of this specification, the surfaces of these mill rolls become rough when in operations and require polishing in order to condition them for proper service. The present invention comprises mechanism for polishing the surfaces of these mill rolls.

A pair of parallel shafts or bars 3 are mounted for longitudinal sliding movements in self-alining bearings 4 supported by frame members 5. These bars or shafts 3 are parallel with the axes of the rolls 1.

A shaft 6 is supported for rotation in each of the bars or shafts 3, and a pulley '7 is attached to the outer end of each of said shafts 6.

As indicated, there is one bar or shaft 3 for each roll 1 and the polishing devices for the respective rolls are supported by the corresponding bars or shafts 3. Sincevthese polishing devices are of duplicate construction, like reference numerals are applied to the parts thereof.

A bracket 8 is detachably secured to each bar or shaft 3 by removable or replaceable fastener devices 9 and locking members 10. The fasteners 9 are in the form of screws extending through portions of the brackets 8 and engaging in threaded holes in the bars or shafts 3, and the locking devices 10 are screwed through longitudinal lholes in the members 9 and have their ends abutting against the bars or shafts 3. In assembling the machine, the screws 9 are first tightened and then the screws 10 are tightened; and in detaching the brackets 8, the screws 10 are first loosened and then the screws 9 are removed.

Each bracket 8 supports a shaft 11 and also supports a shaft 12 parallel with the shaft 11. A roller 13 is supported for rotation on or about the shaft 11 and is formed with a peripheral series of iiuted teeth 14 (Figs. 9 and 10) A roller 15, similar to the roller 13, is supported for rotation on or about the shaft 12 and is provided with a peripheral series of fluted teeth 16. A pinion 1'7 (Fig. 9) is attached to each shaft 6 and, through an opening in the side of the shaft 3, meshes with a pinion 19 supported on a trunnion 18 mounted in one side of the bracket 3. The pinion 19 meshes with a gear `20 attached to the roller 13. Accordingly, the roller 13 of the polishing device for each roll 1 is operated by mechanism comprising the shaft 6, the pinion 17, the pinion 19 and the gear 20.

A revolving abrasive cylindrical polishing block l 21 has longitudinal spaced portions of its periphery in permanent engagement with the peripheries of the rollers 13 'and 15. This revolving cylindrical abrasive polishing block is connected with spaced side members of the bracket 8 by a frame comprising trunnion portions 22 engaging in central holes in the ends of the polishing block and formed in connection with a supporting bail, including curved arms 23 and a connection 24 uniting the ends of said arms 23. The curved arms 23 engage over side portions 25 of the bracket 8 (Fig. 11) beyond the ends of the roller 15, leaving said roller 15 free to rotate. This bail facilitates the mounting and removal of the polishing block 21.

These mechanisms are located and mounted in such a way that one of the revolving abrasive cylindrical polishing blocks 21 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the upper roll 1 and the other end of said block is pressed against the peripheral surface of the lower roll 1. This merely requires inverting the polishing mechanism for the lower roll 1 as compared with the polishing mechanism for the upper roll 1, as will be understood by reference to Fig. 9 of the drawings.

As before indicated, the two bars or shafts 3 are parallel with the axes of the rolls 1 and are lovable longitudinally through the bearings 4. The bars or shafts 3 at one end are connected by a frame 26 in which an internally threaded sleeve 27 is rigidly secured. A threaded shaft 28 is screwed through the sleeve 27 and has one end journalled in a bearing 29 in one of the frame members 5 and the opposite end journalled in a bearing 30 mounted on a rigid support 31. The shaft 28 is thus supported for rotation but is incapable of longitudinal movement. A pulley 32 is attached to the outer end of the shaft 28 and is engaged by a belt 33 driven by a reverse operating motor 34. Thus, rotation of the shaft 28 in one direction by the motor 34 will screw the sleeve 27 along said shaft 28 and thereby move the bars or shafts longitudinally through their bearings 4 parallel with the axes of the rolls 1; and rotation of the shaft 28 in the opposite direction by the motor 34 will move said bars or shafts 3 longitudinally in the opposite direction. It is now clear that when the machine is operating andthe motor 34 is running, the shaft is rotated first in one direction and then in the opposite direction and lthat the revolving abrasive cylindrical polishing blocks 21 are held in contact with and are moved longitudinally along the peripheral surfaces of the rolls 1. Obviously reversing of the motor 34 may be effected in any known way in order to rotate the shaft f 28 alternately in opposite directions and thereby move the polishing blocks 21 alternately in opposite directions along the peripheral surfaces of the rolls 1.

The polishing blocks 21 are of less length than therolls 1. To polish the peripheral surfaces of the rolls 1 throughout their length, it is necessary to `move the polishing blocks 21 longitudinally along the surfaces of the rolls 1. If it is Vdesired to polish'a circumferential portion of the rolls 1 without moving the polishing blocks 21 longitudinally, this may be done merely by stopping the motor 34. When the motor 34 is stopped, the shaft 28 remains stationary and does not move the polishing mechanism longitudinally.

A Vmotor 35, by means of speed reducing driving connections 36, rotates a shaft 37. The ehaft37 is provided with a spline connection 38 with va sleeve 39 rotatively supported by the frame 26, so that said sleeve 39 is rotated by and may be moved longitudinally along said shaft 37L A gear 40 is attached to the inner end of the sleeve 39 and meshes with a gear 41 attached to a stud shaft 42 rotatively supported by the frame 26 below the shaft 39. A sprocket wheel or pulley 43 is attached to the outer end of the sleeve 39 and a similar sprocket wheel or pulley 44 is attached to the outer end of the se I stud shaft 42, which-is rotated by the shaft 37 through the gearing 40-41, asindicated.

Chains or belts rotate the sprocket wheels or pulleys 7V and thereby the shafts 6 by the sprocket wheels or pulleys 43 and 44, respectively. A

ft is now clear that the roller 13 of the polishing device for each rollV 1 is positively driven when themotor 35 is running. The rollers 13 rotate the cylindrical abrasiveV polishing blocks 21 at surface speeds different from the surface speeds of the rolls l and simultaneously during longitudinal movement of said revolving polishing blocks 21 along the surfaces of said rolls 1.

The respective chains or belts 45 are engaged by rotative tensioning devices 46 supported by pivoted arms 47. A threaded rod 48 is pivotally connected with each arm 47 and is actuated by a spring 49 mounted'in the frame 26 (Fig. 4) in order to cause the rotative tensioning devices 46 to hold the chainsor belts 45 tensioned. These tensioning devices take upany slack in the chains or belts 45 caused by turning the bars or shafts 3 to different positions. Due to the fact that the shafts 6 are mounted eccentrically in the oars or shafts 3, the chains or belts 45 might be slacks-ned if the tensioning devices were omitted. The spring supports for the tensioning devices 46 permit said tensioning devices to Vbe moved to loosen the chains or belts 45 when it is desired. to remove them from the machine for any purpose.

The frame 26 is withdrawable from connection with the bars or shafts 3 and from the shaft 28. The bearings or openings in the frame 26,

into which the bars or shafts 3 and the sleeveV 27 extend, are open at the rear end of the frame 26. A lever 5G is mounted `on a pivot 51 supported by a frame 26 and in one direction engages the bars or shafts 3 yand the sleeve 27 (Fig. 4) and holds the frame 26 in connection with said parts 3 and 27. A pin52extendsthrough por-` tions of the frame 26 and through an adjacent portion of the lever 5G and thereby holds the lever 50 in effective position to hold the frame 26 in connection with the parts 3 and 27. The pin 52 may be withdrawn to permit outward and downward swinging of the lever 50, thus permitting the frame 26 to be withdrawn or detached from the parts 3 and 27. The bearing 53 in the frame 26, in which the sleeve 39 rotates, is detachable to permit the frame 26 to be removed therefrom.

The bars or shafts 3 are spring actuated as frequired to press the polishing blocks 2l against the rolls l. An arm 54 is attached to the lower bar or shaft 3 and a similar arm 55 is attached to the upper bar or shaft 3. A link 56 has its lower end pivoted to the arm 54 and has pin and slot connection 57 with the arm 55. A rod 58 is pivoted to the arm and extends through a laterally extended portion 59 of the link 56. A spring 60, mounted on the rod 58 between the part 59 and an abutment nut 6l screwed on said rod 58, tends to turn the bars or shafts 3 in opposite directions and press the polishing blocks 2l against the peripheries of the rolls 1. A handle 62 may be connected with the nut 6l to facilitate turning said nut to different adjustjed positions along the rod 58. As shown, both are equipped with 'allel relationship, strengthening each of said shafts by the other, when the shafts are'extended a considerable distance beyond the adjacentmachine frame 2. This link 3a does not interfere with functioning the spring actuator device for said bars or shafts 3 in any Way.

-As before indicated, the motor 34 is a reverse operating motor, and the electric circuit for said motor is equipped with limit reversing switches 63 and 64 (Figs. 2 and 6) in position to be engaged by a switch operating member 65 pivotally supported by the frame 26 and actuated downwardly by a spring 66 mounted on a rod 67 having.l one end pivo-ted to the actuator 65 and the opposite end extending through a guide 68 on `the frame 26. During movement of the frame 26 away from the adjacent frame 2, the actuator 65 engages and operates the switch 63 and thereby reverses operation of the motor 34 to rotate the shaft 28 in a direction to move the frame 26 towardthe machine frame 2. As when the framev26 approaches the frame 2, the actuator v65 engages and operates the switch 64 to reverse operation of the motor 34 and thereby rotate the shaft 28 in the opposite direction to move the frame 26 in a direction from the frame 2.

It is now apparent that, since the line of contact between each polishing block and the adjacent mill` roll is a straight line, relatively low pressure, as compared with other systems now in use, is required on the polishing block to cause the grain structure of the block to be presented to the surface of the mill roll. Less pressure produces less friction, with the result that less heat is generated. The lowering of the heat and pressure conditions prevents frequent breakage of the polishing blocks,` which is in direct contrast with present methods. Extreme pressure, particularly ,when concentrated on localized areas of the Ablock together with' the presence of imbedded material, produces scratching on the mill roll.

Another advantage results from the arrangement of the brackets on the swivel supports 9, so that each polishing block is automatically alined against the surface of the mill roll, thus producing uniform pressure along the line of contact between the polishing block and the mill roll and obtaining a uniform high polishing action. Since the polishing block is kept free from material removed from the mill roll at all times, only the abrasive grains are presented for polishing, the result being that a uniform polishing surface is maintained on the surface of the mill roll and the formation of scratch marks is positively prevented.

The construction and arrangement of the invention may be varied widely within the scope of equivalent limits without departure from the nature and principle thereof. I do not restrict myself unessentially, but what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A revolving abrasive polishing block, axial means supporting said block and about which M@ 14 2. A revolving abrasive polishing block, axial means supporting said block and about which said block is rotative, rollers for pressing said one of said rollers operating against` the surface of said block. l

3. A revolving abrasivevpolishing block, axial means supporting said block and about which said block is rotative, rollers for rotating and pressing said block against the surface of a mill roll, and sharp nuted teeth yon the peripheral surfaces of said rollers extending approximately parallel with the axes of said rollers.

4. A revolving abrasive polishing block., axial means supporting said block and aboutwhich said block is rotative, rollers operating against the peripheral abrasive surface ofand pressing said block against the surface of a mill roll, and mechanism for controlling the `direction and speed of rotation of said rollers.

5. A revolving abrasive polishing block, rollers for rotating and pressing said block against the surface of a mill roll, swivel devices supporting said rollers and permitting the polishing .block` automatically to aline itself, along the face of the mill roll, and mechanism for rotating said rollers. i

6. A revolving abrasive polishing block, rollers 1for rotating and pressing said block` against they surface oi a mill roll, swivel devices supporting said rollers and permitting the polishing block automatically to aline itself along the face of the mill roll, and mechanism for rotating said rollers at a differential surface speed relative to the surface speed of the mill roll.

7. In a machine having a mill-rolLa shaft sup'- ported for longitudinal movements', a frame attached to said shaft, la roller supported for rotation in said frame and having a fluted periphery, mechanism for rotating said roller during longitudinal. movement of said shaft, an abrasive polishing block, and means supported by said frame for supporting said .block between and in c ontact with said-roll and said roller for rotation by said roller against the periphery o f said roll.

8. In a machine having a mill roll, a nonrotative shaft supported for longitudnal'movements, mechanism. for lrnoving said shaft longitudinally alternately in opposite directions, an abrasive polishing block supported by said shaft, and mechanism supported by said shaft for rotating said polishing block at a speed different from the rotation of the mill roll and for pressing said block against the surface of said mill roll during longitudinal movements of said shaft.

9. In a machine having a rotating mill roll, a non-rotative shaft supported for longitudinal movements in opposite directions, mechanism for movingY said shaft longitudinally alternately in opposite directions, an abrasive polishing block, means supported by said shaft for supporting said block, a roller supportedby said shaft for pressing said block against the surface of the mill roll yand for rotating said block during longitudinal movements of said shaft, and mechanism for rotating said roller and thereby said block.

10. In a machine having a pair of rotating mill rolls, a pair of longitudinally movable shafts, mechanism for simultaneously moving said shafts longitudinally first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, means for holding said shafts against rotation during their longitudinal movements, a rotary abrasive polishing block supported by each of said shafts,

andimechanism supported by said shaftsv for pressing said polishing blocks against said respective mill rolls and for rotating said blocks during longitudinal movements of said shafts.

l1. Ina machine having a pair of rotating mill rolls, a non-rotative shaft supported for longitudinal reciprocating movements adjacent to each of said mill rolls, mechanism formoving said shafts longitudinally rst in one direction and then in thev opposite direction, a revolving abrasive polishing .block supported by each of said shafts, and mechanism supported in part by said shafts for rotating said polishing blocks and pressing said polishingV blocks against the peripheries of the respective mill rolls during longitudinal movements of said shafts.

ERNST H. WAHLERT. 

